Pork! According to a published report, lame duck Governor David Paterson is blowing the state's money on New Jersey. Or actually, giving $5 million to the New York/New Jersey Super Bowl XLVIII Host Committee. The $16.7 million in total spending was also approved by State budget director Robert Megna on November 30th, but everyone is still angry because of the $315 million (or $1 billion) budget gap etc. Elizabeth Lynam of the nonpartisan Citizens Budget Commission said the Governor "has lost the moral high ground by spending this money on member items." more ›

After enacting a huge fare hike at the beginning of the month, NJ Transit is now making good on proposed service cuts. The Star-Ledger reports that the agency, "the nation's third-largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit cut at least two trains from each line. The cuts mean commuters might have a longer wait for trains or find cars more crowded." There has been a 2.6% decrease "in bus, rail and light rail passengers in the first week of the fare hike. Officials had anticipated a drop in ridership of up to 5 percent." more ›

As the MTA's budget continues to look grim, they've begun taking steps towards massive layoffs. They've allegedly filed a required alert with the Labor Department about plans for 750 layoffs, including a majority of workers from the bus division. The bus worker layoffs would go into effect on June 27th, the same day the "doomsday" service cuts are implemented. The rest of the layoffs, mostly subway car inspectors, would be finalized on July 4th. more ›

In an attempt to close the budget gap, lawmakers are considering two new plans to raise fees on New Yorkers. The plan proposes raising the fees on buying cars and taking out a mortgage. "These two proposals are being seriously considered by us," Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Martin Dilan told the Daily News. more ›

If you think New York State’s deficit is bad, take a look at New Jersey, where a $11 billion budget gap is pushing officials to think creatively. One plan? Sell the naming rights for 12 rest stops on the NJ Turnpike and eight on the Garden State Expressway. "The 'Nike Stop' . . . maybe that would be worth $10 million," suggested DOT Commissioner James Simpson, according to the AP. One highly trafficked hub is named for Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, while others bear the names of Revolutionary war heroes, poets like Walt Whitman and political figures like Alexander Hamilton. In the future, they could go strictly corporate, however a naming rights expert says $1 million is a more realistic pricetag. more ›

The MTA is meeting today to discuss its $1.2 billion budget gap. While the agency refuses to comment on any specific measures until next month, big fare hikes and service cuts are expected. Today, the Daily News reports that the M8 bus, which travels across the East Village and West Village is eliminated, according to a budget proposal, as well as some express bus routes (the QM22, X25, and X32). One thing that could help the MTA is state intervention, but the state has its own budget crisis. And while some City Council members want to bring back the commuter tax-- Michael Nelson said, "In Brooklynese, basically, we was robbed about nine years ago" (the tax was repealed in 1999)--naturally suburban legislators hate the idea. more ›

As part of his plans to close the budget gap, Governor David Paterson proposed a $600 tuition hike at City and State University of New York schools. Naturally, students are not taking this well and the Post has some sad quotes. From Queens College student Lilliana Ramnath who works part time at a medical office and is a single mother: "I think I'm going to have to take a year or two off, at the very least. I just won't be able to provide for my son and continue studying." From York College student Lisa Perez, who works at a "bank to support herself and her grandmother": "I really don't know what my options are going to be. But I just don't have an extra $600 sitting around." Food for thought: CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein recently received a $55,000 (+14%) raise and makes $450,000/year. more ›